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Redskins: Evaluating roles for the cornerbacks in wake of Josh Norman’s injury

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Redskins breaks up a pass intended for Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Redskins breaks up a pass intended for Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals can’t make a catch as Quinton Dunbar #47 of the Washington Redskins defends during the third quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals can’t make a catch as Quinton Dunbar #47 of the Washington Redskins defends during the third quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Quinton Dunbar

The man who will see the biggest change in his role for the Redskins is Quinton Dunbar. A former wide receiver in college, Dunbar became the No. 4 corner for the team last season and he fared well doing so. He replaced Breeland when he was injured last year and had a solid stretch as a starter. While Dunbar is best suited as a backup, he will be relied on with Norman out.

Dunbar is a 6-foot-2 player who has great length. Thanks to his time as a receiver at Florida, Dunbar has pretty good ball skills and is usually able to stay with his man step for step on routes. He has the ability to be a functional No. 2 cornerback, provided that he isn’t a starter for too long. It’s important to note that Dunbar is still just in his third year at the position, so he still needs additional seasoning before becoming a quality, long term starter.

Dunbar has also reportedly benefited from the presence of new defensive backs coach Torrian Gray. The former Virginia Tech defensive coach has helped Dunbar and the other corners with their development, as Jake Kring-Schreifels wrote for Redskins.com back in June.

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"A big benefit for Dunbar this offseason, besides training with some defensive back coaches in Miami, has been the addition of defensive backs coach Torrian Gray. So far, players have praised his focus on technique and using practices as a time to reacquaint themselves with a foundation based on footwork and situational awareness."

The work on fundamentals probably helped Dunbar given that his more natural position is receiver. Gaining more experience at corner will make the position feel more natural and allow him to succeed.

At any rate, Dunbar appears to be the official next man up for the Redskins. He will stand a chance of being effective, but expect the Washington opponents to target him early and often as they look to exploit him as a weakness. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers will be the first big test for Dunbar, and that should help him gain some confidence moving forward.

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